Three possible replacements for Enzo Fernandez at Chelsea

Chelsea could be set to lose Enzo Fernandez this summer amid significant rumours of interest from both Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.

The Blues remain in an excellent negotiating position as the Argentine’s current contract in west London isn’t due to expire until 2032, however the 24-year-old is understood to be considering his future at the club following Enzo Maresca’s departure.

Fernandez also opted to change representation in late 2025, leaving long-term agent Uriel Perez to sign with The Elephant Game agency, who were founded by ex-PSG midfielder Javier Pastore.

This has fuelled further speculation that he may look to leave Stamford Bridge this year, especially as L’Equipe claim that PSG are actively monitoring his situation in west London ahead of a potential summer swoop.

Below, FootballTransfers runs through three players Chelsea could sign to replace Fernandez if he joins PSG or Real Madrid this summer.

Kees Smit (AZ Alkmaar)

AZ Alkmaar wonderkid Kees Smit has emerged as one of the best young midfielders in world football over the past 12 months and it’s no surprise that he is wanted by a plethora of top clubs.

The 19-year-old, who won the Player of the Tournament award at the U19 European Championship last summer, has already racked up 60 senior appearances for AZ and his progress is being closely monitored by the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle, Real Madrid and several others.

The Dutchman has been likened to Kevin De Bruyne and Pedri in recent months, and his technical proficiency would be ideally suited to replacing Fernandez in Rosenior’s system at Chelsea.

Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest)

Fernandez was typically used as a more advanced midfielder by Enzo Maresca, but there is some suspicion that he could be favoured in a slightly reserved role by Rosenior, which suggests his replacement may be required to play alongside Moises Caicedo in a double pivot.

If that is the case, landing a player with better defensive discipline than Fernandez would be advised and Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson fits that brief perfectly, especially considering he is also immense at progressing the ball from deep.

The England international has enjoyed a sublime 2025-26 season and he is expected to secure a major transfer this summer amid interest from Chelsea, Man City and Manchester United. If the Blues can win the race for his signature, it would be an immense signing.

Fermin Lopez (Barcelona)

While Anderson would be a more defensive replacement for Fernandez, Chelsea could also go in the opposite direction and sign a player capable of replicating the Argentine’s productivity in the final third.

If they opt to go down that route, rekindling their pursuit of Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez would be an excellent choice following their failed bid for his signature last summer.

The Spain midfielder has notched 18 goal contributions in just 22 games across all competitions so far this season and he would excel in the box-to-box role Fernandez has typically been deployed in over the past year.

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